Phoenix '99 Stumped By New Jersey Champion

Vienna Youth Soccer Phoenix '99 fought a tough battle against a physical FC Copa Academy G99 Milan from New Jersey (Currently ranked #8 nationally by GotSoccer).  Phoenix came out strong but could not capitalize on several shots.  Finally, in the 17th minute, an FC Copa shot deflected off a Vienna defender onto the goal for the first score of the game. 

The girls fighting back and their efforts were rewarded in the 27th minute when Anna Davis connected on a pass to Whitney Wiley.  Wiley surprised the defense with a left-footed shot to tie the game, 1-1.  Both teams battled back and forth the remainder of the half, going into the break level.

FC Copa came out hard in the second, countering quickly on a Phoenix attack that caught the defense flatfooted as FC Copa took the lead 2-1 only two minutes in to the half.  Phoenix continued to fight back but didn't seem to have the same energy as FC Copa.  That proved true as 13 minutes later a FC Copa cross passed through the Phoenix defense, resulting in Copa's third goal. 

Phoenix showed more life as they tried to fight their way back into the game, even drawing numerous fouls from the physical FC Copa girls.  Shots would not find their mark as Copa tried to slow the game down.  The end came in the last minute when FC Copa intercepted a pass as the Phoenix were pushing down field.  With Phoenix attacking one direction, FC Copa pushed against the grain and scored a final goal.  Final score was 4-1.

Phoenix '99 has one remaining group play match against NM Rush '00G from Albuquerque, NM, Saturday at 1:00 PM EDT.  Phoenix needs a win tomorrow and a little help in the other two groups to gain the wildcard spot and advance to the se